Choose Zeal

There are those seasons in life when you hit a point where you will either choose to allow your character to grow, or you shrink back and attempt to scoot bye without being burned. I came across this kind of moment this past weekend. Finals are one week away. I have no more lesson plans to write this semester, yet, I am exhausted from not having a legitimate break since October. Welcome Courtney to real life!- My parents would say. Sunday night, I was tired. I was homesick and I was in a "pitiful me" mood overdosing on the selfishness. And as I laid my head to bed that night, I was aware of two options for the next three weeks: 1) I could "go through the motions" barely surviving for three weeks until I can completely collapse into my two month break from school, or 2) I could change everything- I could fix my attitude, and finish the job I was appointed to do by Father with perseverance and strength. Thankfully, I chose the latter. I have three weeks to pour out what I have to offer over my students, my co-workers, my teammates and most importantly to Father as a drink offering. So today, Monday, was a tremendous step in this direction!

My alarm buzzed early this morning and I looked out my window- completely dark. The moon was high in the midnight blue sky. I put on layer after layer, grabbed my ipod, key and mittens and slipped out the door. Despite the ominous night sky hanging overhead, my teammate Emily and I braved the cold and ran in the direction of the track. As we hit the track, I could hear the muffled sound of my shoes crunching over the snow. I enjoyed every step of my run this morning. I loved the silence of the night and the moon  shining brightly overhead. My morning got kicked off on the right foot.

I had three classes today. On the agenda was review for the final and sharing the Christmas story. I quickly realized during the first class that this was not easy feat! Both the final and Christmas story needed their fair amount of time in order to be adequately done. It is difficult to find the right balance between the two because my role first and foremost here is to teach. Second, I am called to share my hope with others. The school expects me to prepare my students the best that I can in the language of English, yet, they are not my highest authority-Father is! The reason for Christmas needs more time than a quick ten minute presentation-especially if it is going to be heard in someone's second language. In light of this fine balancing scheme, I couldn't help but on my toes, anxious and in all honesty sweating under the pressure. By the third class the Spirit was clearly articulating what needed to be said to the students because as I was sharing a simplified version of the Christmas story, students were laughing and looking up at me. Regardless of their ability or inability to understand the depth of the meaning of Christmas, they have heard His story. That is simply all I can do as an ambassador of Him- give in the best way I can. And ask Him to do the work. I enjoyed sharing the truth in front of 45 students in three classes. I enjoyed being reminded of the beautiful miracle we have in the gift of our Savior.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of Him will accomplish this" Is. 9:6-7